Chapter 378: Somewhat Skeptical

Charlotte, somewhat skeptical, probed, "You're Mr. Rainsworth?" She'd expected someone far older, given his wealth. His youth surprised her.

Cecilia, hearing this, wondered: Mr. Rainsworth? Then, she heard a gentle voice, "Yes, that's me." The voice was identical to Nathaniel's, though extraordinarily gentle—a soothing tone he'd never used before, even after softening considerably.

Cecilia grew anxious, listening to Charlotte's negotiation. The man agreed to every condition without hesitation. Cecilia clenched her fists, her heart pounding. Finally, Charlotte was speechless at his agreeableness.

Before leaving, as Cecilia instructed, Charlotte asked, "May I ask your name?"

Nicholas paused. "Nathaniel."

I knew it, Cecilia thought, certain she hadn't misheard.

Charlotte, utterly taken aback, reported immediately, "Boss, the mysterious person is Nathaniel!" Having lived abroad, she'd never seen him, but knew he was Orion Corporation's CEO. "He genuinely wants to collaborate, agreeing to all our terms," she added, thrilled at having spent time with such a handsome and powerful man.

Cecilia, however, was troubled. Collaboration with Orion was fine, but Nicholas made her hesitant.

Before she could respond, Charlotte's phone rang. "It's Paula."

Cecilia gestured for speakerphone. Charlotte answered, "Mdm. Paula, what do you need?"

Paula replied, "Ms. Cecille, I've decided. If you grant my daughter exclusive rights, I'll dance publicly. My secretary will announce it."

Cecilia listened, hands clenched tight. Her daughter, huh? She'd bumped into Nathaniel yesterday, completely forgetting her Cassandra investigation.

Suppressing her discomfort, Cecilia nodded to Charlotte, who said, "All right. After the dance, we'll sign exclusive rights." She hung up immediately. "Boss, isn't this…unwise?"

Cecilia shook her head. "Not at all. I've ascertained one thing: she's not devoid of motherly love, just not for me."

"Lottie, thanks for your help," Cecilia said.

"I'll fly back to Erihal tomorrow, then?" Charlotte asked.

"All right," Cecilia nodded; an electronic signature would suffice.

After Charlotte left, Sven escorted Cecilia back to Sparaville. En route, Cecilia initiated an investigation into Cassandra, also searching online and quickly obtaining personal information.

Cassandra, twenty-eight (a year older than Cecilia), was a renowned international dancer. She'd begun training at four, topped entrance exams at ten to join a prestigious Drocver academy, received a dance industry equivalent of the Oscar at twelve, and became a principal dancer by eighteen. Her achievements were outstanding.

However, Cecilia noticed Cassandra's parents: father, Ralph Evans, a successful entrepreneur; mother, someone unfamiliar.